Pre Ballet 1 - 4
5-8 years old
Pre-Ballet 1 - 4 classes set a strong foundation whilst expressing the joy of movement to music.
Time commitment
These dancers attend once per week
Pre 1 = 45 mins per week
Pre 2 = 60 mins per week
Pre 3 = 75 mins per week
Pre 4 = 90 mins per week
Price per term
Based on a 10-week term or pro-rata
for a free trail class for children
Class Description
These preparatory (pre) ballet classes introduce the students to the foundation of ballet technique and artistry to these young students.
These preparatory ballet classes introduce young students to the foundations of ballet technique and artistry. Each structured ballet class focuses on developing:
Spatial awareness
Correct posture
Coordination
Strength
Flexibility
Musicality
Artistry
Creativity
In addition, Jazz dance classes are included in the Pre 3 and Pre 4 schedules. These dynamic, lively, and energetic classes provide a vibrant contrast to the more structured nature of ballet, helping to engage students with varied movement styles.
Suggested Level and time commitments:
Pre 1: 5-year-olds – Ballet 45 minutes
Pre 2: 6-year-olds – Ballet 60 minutes
Pre 3: 7-year-olds – Ballet 45 minutes & Jazz 30 minutes
Pre 4: 8-year-olds – Ballet 60 minutes & Jazz 30 minutes
Levels may vary depending on individual ability and learning style.
Performance
Term 4 is dedicated to our end-of-year show, with each student performing in a professionally produced show in December that highlights their learnings throughout the year. Students rehearse their dances during class time in Term 4, with three extra rehearsal days added. This gives each student vital stage time with all the bells and whistles of a professional production. A performance levy is added to the term 4 invoice, covering the associated costs.
Timetable
Class title | Day | Time | Location | Teacher |
---|---|---|---|---|
Pre 1 Ballet (group A) | Saturday | 9:30-10:15am | Deepdene Uniting Church
(Studio 2) | Miss Sharnie and Miss Ashley |
Pre 1 Ballet (group B) | Saturday | 10:15-11:00am | Deepdene Uniting Church
(Studio 2) | Miss Sharnie and Miss Ashley |
Pre 2 Ballet (group A) | Thursday | 4:00-5:00pm | Deepdene Uniting Church
(Studio 2) | Miss Olivia |
Pre 2 Ballet (group B) | Saturday | 11:00-12:00pm | Deepdene Uniting Church
(Studio 2) | Miss Sharnie and Miss Ashley |
Pre 3 Ballet & Jazz | Wednesday | 4:00-5:15pm | Koonung Heights Uniting Church
(Hall) | Miss Sharnie |
Pre 4 Ballet & Jazz | Friday | 4:15-5:45pm | Deepdene Uniting Church
(Hall) | Miss Olivia |
-
Do you offer free classes for Children?Yes! We provide a free trial class for children to help determine: Whether your child enjoys ballet If ballet is the right dance style for them The appropriate level to suit their abilities Once we find the right level and your child wishes to continue with Melbourne Institute of Dance, we will email an invoice with prorated fees for the term.
-
What are the costs for children's classes?After the initial free trial class, children who wish to continue with us are enrolled for the term and charged a term fee. Please note that we do not offer single-class options for children's programs. For detailed information, please refer to our Children’s Fee page. Additional Costs: Uniforms – Required as per our stockist’s guidelines. https://www.melbourneinstituteofdance.com/childrens-uniforms Assessment Fee (not applicable for Tiny or Pre dancers) – As outlined in our handbook, assessments are held in Term 3 for students ready for evaluation. Production Fee (not applicable for Tiny dancers) – As detailed in our handbook, the production is held in Term 4
-
What should my child wear for their trial class?For the first free trial class, any ballet or activewear you already have is perfect—no need for the official uniform yet. If ballet shoes aren’t available, socks are fine for this initial class. Should your child choose to continue, we’ll then require the correct uniform to be purchased according to our handbook guidelines. https://www.melbourneinstituteofdance.com/childrens-uniforms
-
Can parents sit in and watch the class?We encourage parents and guardians to observe their child’s first trial class. After this initial class, we ask that parents refrain from sitting inside the studio during regular group classes, as it can be distracting for other students. For Tiny and Pre Dancers, the Deepdene studio has large windows along one side and on the doors, so you are welcome to watch from outside the studio. If you feel the need to observe a specific class for a particular reason, we are generally open to accommodating this, but please notify us via email in advance. We also encourage parents to observe and sit in on all private lesson classes whenever possible.
-
Do you need a uniform for children's classes?Yes, if your child continues after the initial free trial class, the correct uniform is required for all children's classes. Uniforms can be purchased from various stockists listed on our Uniform page. Please view Uniform lists and stockist via: https://www.melbourneinstituteofdance.com/childrens-uniforms Hair: Girls: Hair must be styled in a classical bun using hairnets, U-shaped hair pins/bobby pins, hair elastics, spray gel, and a tail comb. An instruction sheet is available upon request. For contemporary dance, hair can be worn in a ponytail. Boys: Hair should be neat and tidy, and gel may be used if needed to keep it out of the eyes. Traveling to and from the studio: Students should cover their class uniform with a school tracksuit or street clothes. Street shoes should be worn to and from class; ballet or dance shoes should not be worn outside the studio. Warm-Up Wear: All students are encouraged to wear warm-up attire before and after class to stay warm.
-
Where can I buy the uniform?View our recommended uniform stockist via our uniform page, via: https://www.melbourneinstituteofdance.com/childrens-uniforms
-
What should I bring to class?- Water Bottle: Every student should bring a water bottle (non-glass) with their full name clearly marked. - Positive Attitude: Come ready to learn, grow, and enjoy the beautiful experience of moving to music!
-
How do I register for a trial class?Please click on the gold button
-
Can my child start mid term or mid year?In most cases, yes, your child can join mid-year or mid-term. However, each class has limited spots, so if a class is full, we can place your child on a waiting list and let you know as soon as a place becomes available. Please keep in mind that Term 4 is often more difficult for new enrollments as we are preparing for our end-of-year show, making it harder to integrate new students once the term has begun.
-
Do I need to enrol for a entire term or do I pay per class for Adults classesOur regular adult classes operate on a “Drop-In” basis, allowing you to pay per class with no requirement to commit to an entire term. We understand that adults have busy schedules, so you’re free to create your own class plan. However, for the best experience and progress, we recommend attending weekly or more. We do ask, however, that all Adult students fill in an enrolment form so we can help suggest the best class for you. This can be do via the button "Enrol Now" All Payments are made at the studio in person via Credit Card or Cash, either for a single class or by purchasing a 10 or 20-class pass. Please complete our online enrollment form. Once you submit it, we’ll email you a link to book your preferred classes. Adults Production and/or Pointe workshops are the only classes that require a full block of class booking and fee.
-
Can I join at any time during the term or year?Yes, you're welcome to join our regular adult classes at any point during the term. Classes begin with fundamental elements (appropriate to the level) and gradually progress in complexity as the term advances. You are welcome to attend classes based on your availability and schedule. Our adult workshop classes, such as the adult production group and pointe groups, need to be started at the beginning of the blocks and require consistency in attendance.
-
How do I pay for Adults classes?You may pay at the studio for each class via - Credit card - Cash - Direct Bank Transfer You may purchase a single drop-in class or purchase a 10 or 20 class pass.
-
What to wear for adults classes?Dress and grooming are important components of dance, contributing to a beautiful aesthetic. There is no uniform for our adult classes Footwear: Ballet: We recommend canvas split-sole flats. Colour for ladies: Pink or Tan Colour for men: Black, White, or Tan Contemporary Dance: Bare feet, socks, or dance foot thongs are suggested. Character Dance: Character heel shoes are recommended. Clothing: You’ll get hot and sweaty, so we suggest any comfortable activewear that allows for ease of movement. If you prefer a more traditional approach: Ladies: Leotard, tights, and flat split-sole canvas ballet shoes. Men: Fitted t-shirt or singlet, men's dance tights, dance support, and flat split-sole canvas ballet shoes. Warm-up wear: Please keep warm before and after class. An activewear-style tracksuit is a great option to warm up in. Hair: We recommend long hair be worn neatly in a bun, off the face and eyes, as it makes pirouettes much easier. For the comfort of all, students are reminded to take proper care of their personal hygiene.
-
What should I bring to class?We suggest bringing to class : Water in a non breakable bottle, to keep hydrated A hand towel to wipe away the sweat Please bring all personal belongings into the studio and place them at the side. Melbourne Institute of Dance will not take responsibility for any lost or stolen belongings.
-
What if I'm running late to class?Generally students will not be admitted into class if they are more than 15 minutes late. This is to ensure proper warm-up, in order to reduce injuries. In adverse situations, management reserves the right to refuse entry onto the premises or into class.
Term Dates 2025
Term 1
3rd February till 6th April (9 weeks)
Term 2
28th April till 6th July (11 weeks)
Term 3
21st July till 21st September (9 weeks)
Term 4
6th Oct till 7th Dec (9 weeks)